“Well, of course, Sheriff Babeu is a friend of mine,” he said. “I do not know the details, except what has been published in the media.”

Still, McCain called for people to hold off on making a judgment about the case.

“I’m sure there will be a thorough and complete investigation, if there is any allegations of wrongdoing,” he said. “All I can say is that he also deserves the benefit, as every citizen does, of innocence until proven guilty.”

Babeu memorably appeared in a 2010 TV ad in which McCain called for President Barack Obama to “complete the danged [border] fence.”

“I appreciate the support that he gave me in my campaign and always will,” McCain said.